There is a lot involved in arranging for SSDI, and it is not uncommon for individuals in need of this to have their application refused. A great deal of emphasis is placed on their disability as to whether they qualify or not. Many people are not aware of just how much detail must be provided, or exactly what their disability must consist of in order to be eligible for their SSDI. For this reason a lot of people are now using a disability attorney to assist them with their application.

Before even applying for your SSDI you should familiarize yourself with the requirements for qualifying. One of the most common types of disability that renders people in need of this disability assistance is back injuries and related problems. Many people have some complaint when it comes to back issues, but this doesn’t mean they meet the criteria for SSDI. Generally speaking those that have moderate or intermittent back pain will not meet the qualifications. In order to receive this there has to be what is called a “medically determinable” back impairment. To back up your claim you are going to need solid medical proof that your condition exists and it is impeding you from working. The agency has a specific list that they follow for disabilities that are deemed to qualify.

With back problems for example being the most common then the criteria for the various back problems is well laid out and the agency has a concise mandate that they follow. Back injuries are not the only medical condition that can create severe problems where an individual cannot work. Your legal expert will help you to determine if you may be able to qualify for SSDI.

Most individuals that cannot work because of an injury or disability know for themselves that their impairment is severe. They become astonished when they apply for SSDI to find out they have been denied based on the severity of their disability according to those making the decisions about these benefits.

There is actually an official list of impairments that qualify for SSDI. A medical consultant will compare your disability to the standards set out in their list. All of the impairments that are contained on the list indicate the degree of severity that must be present in order for an individual to be deemed disabled to qualify for the benefit.

If you happen to have an impairment that is on the list and you have met the criteria then you shouldn’t have a problem getting your disability. If on the other hand you don’t, which a lot of people fall into this category, then chances are you will be denied.

It is well worth using a disability lawyer to assist you with applying for your disability. If you get turned down you can appeal, but this can be a real hassle. It is really important that you have all of the right information available and submitted to support your claim. It isn’t as easy of a task as most people think, and there is a high rate of claim denials.

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a regular payment people get when they have been injured or otherwise compromised to the point where they are unable to work. In order to receive SSDI, injured or disabled persons must prove that they are incapable of working in their previous job or gaining employment in another industry. The injuries that qualify a person for payments range from emotional or mental disabilities to severe physical trauma, such as a broken spine. Learning disabilities or reading and comprehension troubles caused by head trauma are also considered qualifications for receiving SSDI.

One form of disability that is not properly recognized and does not always qualify a person for Social Security benefits is anxiety. There are many anxiety disorders of varying severity, some linked with depression and PTSD and others linked to stress and pain. Anxiety disorders are chronic conditions, and while sufferers may not feel anxious all the time, the disorder never truly goes away. As such, anxiety disorders can be absolutely debilitating, and can prevent a person from working effectively.

Unfortunately, SSDI is often denied to sufferers of anxiety. A person who shows that they can still perform basic functions of life is often not considered a “severe enough” case, while someone who has trouble showering or being alone for long periods of time will receive benefits. If you suffer from anxiety that prevents you from working, talk with a lawyer and review the Social Security qualifications for SSDI. If you are denied but feel that you deserve benefits, repeal the case; your anxiety is serious, and should be recognized as such.

As a healthy member of the workforce, it can be difficult to picture a time where you aren’t able to work. Whether it’s a result of a workplace injury, illness, or accident away from the job, there are a number of possible instances that could leave you unable to work and incapable of financially supporting your family. With that being said, there are some myths that are continually perpetuated regarding disability insurance, and you can’t afford to listen to them.

• I never get hurt or sick. You are not invincible and certainly not above getting hurt or sick. According to the Healthy Industry Association of America, you are 3.5 times more likely to be unable to work as a result of injury or illness than you are to die during your career. In fact, within the last 10 minutes, nearly 400 Americans have become disabled.

• The government has me covered. Counting on the government to take care of you doesn’t always work out. Workers’ compensation doesn’t cover illness, and the majority of individuals are turned down for Social Security on the first try. When it is paid, Social Security payments average just over $1,000 per month.

• I can dip into my savings. This is possibly the most dangerous myth of all. While you may have some savings in your account, the majority of Americans cannot last more than one or two months without their paychecks. The average injury takes between three and twelve months to recover from.

Regardless of how healthy you are now, it’s important to consult with a disability lawyer and listen to the facts and consider purchasing disability insurance today.

Did you know that many well known and famous people live with various disabilities and conditions? If you have a disability or chronic medical condition you are not alone. Familiar persons of past and current infamy live with, battle or have overcome their disabilities every single day. A disability is often used to describe an individual’s functioning, including physical impairment, sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, intellectual impairment and various chronic diseases.

Before They Were Famous

By today’s standards, before many actors, actresses and other famous leaders were well known, they might have earned their living through a Supplemental Security Income or Disability Insurance benefit.  By overcoming the disability barrier, they each have made a difference to the world. They shed light that there are also millions of other people who live each day with a disability but can also be an integral part of society.  Let’s take a look at some people who you may recognize and their condition.

Geri Jewell is most famous for her roles on the television program The Facts of Life and on HBO’s Deadwood. Geri brings to her roles experience of having her behavior and actions misunderstood because of cerebral palsy. Geri Jewell is said to be a pioneer for comedians with disabilities. Dan Ackroyd was diagnosed with Tourette’s as a child, but with help, the symptoms have disappeared with age.  Eric Robert’s (brother of Julia Roberts), is an actor with many leading roles. He recently revealed he still suffers from hearing loss and occasional stutter relapses.  Stephen Hawking, a world-renowned physicist living with Lou Gerhig’s, has defied time and continues his work from a wheelchair. And Michael J. Fox who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, disclosed his condition to the public in 1998.

These people help raise awareness and give hope to many inflicted with the same conditions. However, not everyone is lucky enough to become a celebrity status, but still desire a purposeful life. If a chronic diagnosis prevents you from your goals, a disability attorney can help guide you to financial assistance.

On December 1, 2012 the U.S. Social Security Administration, the United States President, government leaders, agencies, and other organizations around the world raised awareness and honored the millions of people who are living everyday with HIV/AIDS. Those who have been diagnosed and suffering from the disease are often left unable to work and wonder if they are eligible for Social Security Benefits.

Securing The Process

If you suffer from HIV/AIDS, you may qualify for disability benefits. For those seeking benefits, your condition must be serious enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or have terminal prognosis.

Disability benefits are available under two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Social Security disability insurance is available to those who have paid taxes as an employee or income earner. If you have little work history or no resources, you may be eligible for SSI. You may qualify for one or both of these programs.

Seeking treatment and attending the day-to-day appointments can become costly and overwhelming. Many patients of HIV/AIDS will need benefits assistance as soon as possible. A disability attorney can review your medical documentation and help prepare your claim. While the Social Security Administration works to process applications quickly, an experienced attorney can help guide the appropriate documentation process and complete filing to prevent delays.

Benefits are sometimes paid immediately for up to six months before a final decision is made if you are not working, you meet SSI rules about income and resources, and your doctor or other medical source certifies that your HIV infection is severe enough to meet medical eligibility rules. Providing information up-front and completing proper filing can ensure a timely receipt of benefits.

When it comes to protecting our future, financial security is one of the main aspects. One of the biggest threats to financial security is often a hidden risk, disability. The inability to work can strike anyone at anytime, which is why having disability insurance is so important.

Private Or Government

Private disability insurance is one of the most ignored options among Americans today. While the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is available to help people in their time of need, the truth is that it can’t help everyone and its own future is in jeopardy in the coming years.

The benefits of private disability insurance can be far reaching. Not only can it ensure you continue to receive financial assistance in the event of an accident or illness, but the coverage exclusions are generally less than government based assistance. With an average wait time of six or more months for SSDI benefits, private disability coverage can keep you out of financial trouble while you wait.

Although many people assume private disability insurance is expensive, it is actually quite affordable. If you work for a large employer that offers benefits, chances are you can obtain a policy for just a few dollars a month. Even paying out of pocket can often range anywhere between $50 and $100 a month, a small price to pay to reduce your risk of financial hardship if the unexpected happens.

While programs like Social Security Disability Insurance are created to help those who cannot work due to a medical condition or illness, the fact is that these programs aren’t always reliable. That is to say, the chances at obtaining benefits can be difficult for many legitimately disabled people, and is even more difficult for those with a short term or temporary condition. However, there are some private disability benefit programs that might be worth looking into.

Prepare For The Worst

A recent survey showed that 8 out of 10 people believe that “a disability can happen to anyone at any time”; yet only 1 in 100 people actually carry a plan for such occurrences. Short-term or private disability insurance is just that, insurance. Like other types of insurance it is a plan for the worst of times. No one sets out to become ill, injured or disabled, but it happens. Anyone who is the sole provider of the family or has dependents is playing with fire if they do not have a disability insurance policy, especially if they lack an adequate savings to cover expenses until other matters can be resolved.

Disability insurance is more affordable than one might think. In fact, a healthy employee can often obtain coverage from their employer for less than $40 a month out of their paycheck.  Even if a group policy through an employer isn’t available, most companies that offer automobile or life insurance also carries them. In most cases, a policy would cost less than $100 a month out of pocket; a small price to pay for the assurance that your family is covered in the event of an unexpected disability.

Numerous disability applicants search the web for information about qualifying conditions for benefits. While there is no hard and fast list of which conditions automatically qualify for Social Security Disability, there is a list of common conditions that may qualify in most cases. However, this list is dated and hasn’t always kept up with the changing times.

Updated Information

The Social Security Administration is now taking efforts towards conducting reviews of qualifying medical conditions. Recently added to the list of commonly qualifying conditions is Alzheimer’s Disease, an increasing health problem among many aging Americans. This year, the SSA is planning to expand their review and seek public input on musculoskeletal disorders.

The SSA’s Listing of Impairments currently covers conditions such as cancer, heart and pulmonary problems, stomach or intestinal disorders, disorders of the blood and some neurological disorders.  There has been a push for the inclusion of musculoskeletal conditions, which can significantly impair a person’s ability to work. Since these disorders typically affect muscles, joints and nerve systems, any impairment in these systems is likely to cause significant interference in the ability to perform even daily living tasks.

Alzheimer’s disease has brought much attention and a sense of urgency in recent years. As researchers scramble to find a cure or treatment for the devastating disease, many others are working to bridge the gap of services available in the mean time. A new federal plan aims to help the fight against Alzheimer’s by implementing a few key ideas.

Changes Ahead

The government’s plan is to make $50 million available for state of the art Alzheimer’s research. These funds will help boost research efforts in finding and developing a way to combat the disease. An additional $80 million for Alzheimer’s research also is planned for 2013, as part of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act of January 2011 that called for an aggressive and coordinated national Alzheimer’s disease plan.

The Social Security Administration added the diagnosis of the early-onset of the disease to its Compassionate Allowances program, which is a list of pre-approved conditions that qualify for faster application processing. The fast-track evaluation for Social Security Disability benefits will be able to expedite disability claim processing for those suffering with the disease.